This period saw profound changes, as Scandinavia became greatly influenced by military events and developments elsewhere in Europe. Most noticeably, plate armour began to take over from mail; and important evidence is provided by the remarkable 14th century battle grave finds at Wisby, where many corpses were tipped rapidly into mass graves still wearing their armour. This book examines the traces of wounds on the thousand-plus excavated skeletons offering unique insights into the realities of medieval hand-to-hand fighting. Later the increased use of Continental mercenaries introduced massed infantry tactics, especially in Denmark during the almost unceasing 'Union Wars' of the 15th century.

Illustrated by: Angus McBride